Gerry Turner’s daughter says family was met with ‘rage and cruelty’ amid divorce

Three months following their televised wedding, the stars of “Golden Bachelor,” Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, have revealed their decision to part ways and pursue a divorce.

In response to criticism from fans who eagerly watched their love story unfold, Gerry’s daughter, Angie Warner, took to Instagram to defend her father and Theresa.

On April 24, a post on her Instagram page addressed public criticism head-on.

“It’s no surprise the news of my Dad and Theresa choosing to split has sparked a range of emotions and opinions,” she wrote in the caption of her post. “I love how invested people were in the show, what an experience to have you along for the ride!”

“What has been disheartening is the level of rage and cruelty that our family has been met with,” she continued. “My Dad and Theresa are kind, good people that made this decision for them, no one else.  I kindly urge everyone to remember that behind every story, there are real people with real feelings.”

Angie concluded her post by thanking fans who were less judgmental and open to supporting her father.

“To all those that have chosen to show my dad, Theresa and our family love and compassion… Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“Golden Bachelor” viewers became enthralled with Theresa and Gerry as the couple’s love story played out on television. During their time on the show, people also got to know the Golden Bachelor's family.

Here’s what to know about the other women in Gerry’s life: daughters Angie Warner and Jenny Young and granddaughters Charlee and Payton Young.

Who are Gerry Turner’s daughters and granddaughters?

Gerry and his late wife Toni had two daughters, Angie and Jenny. Jenny has two daughters, as well: Charlee and Payton. All four appeared in the finale of “The Golden Bachelor.”

Speaking to Variety before the show premiered in August 2023, Gerry told Variety his family was supportive.

“They are genuinely excited and thrilled,” Gerry said. “My granddaughters have had guests to my house since this all started, and they pick their friends that are big fans of the show.”

He said his daughters were his social media gatekeeper, sending along reactions.

“The funniest thing is my lack of knowledge of social media. I’ve never really cared that much. And so, they will send me information … They’re very excited. They’re thrilled. They send me a lot of positive reinforcement,” he said.

Gerry and Theresa's wedding included members of their family.

What have Gerry's daughters and granddaughters said so far?

In the finale in late November, audiences got to know his daughters and granddaughters in even more detail— and were living for it.

Gerry’s daughters seemed game with the show’s process from the start, and while the finale aired, one X user remarked, “I really like Gerry’s daughters. They are a hoot and love how accepting they are of the situation.”

Others pointed out that Gerry's daughter Angie shared a resemblance with his late wife, Toni, and Jenny took after her father.

But there was one moment that stood out the most, and it came when they discussed the time-honored tradition of Fantasy Suites. During this episode, contestants are given a chance to spend some camera-free time with their frontrunners to ... do what they please.

After meeting, and liking, winner Theresa Nist, Angie asked her father if their time in the fantasy suite "brought him any more clarity."

Gerry seemed taken aback by her frankly bringing up the topic of intimacy. He recoiled. Then, she outright said, "Did you knock the boots?"

Gerry laughed and said, “We’re not talking that."

He then answered her original question, saying that their time alone did bring them closer. "When we were able to close the doors, I was able to learn so much more about her ... all of a sudden the kisses were nicer, the hugs were sweeter."

He then goes, "I’m really encouraged at what you’re telling me about her and what you guys see."

Angie's line instantly took off on X. Let's just say the laughing emoji was shared frequently.

At their wedding, Gerry’s and Theresa’s daughters, all wearing bridesmaids dresses, gave heartfelt speeches praising their parents’ personalities and recognizing their connection.

“You’ve taught so many people lessons on positivity and that it’s not too late to find love,” Angie said. She also told Theresa: “You’re the most charming, genuine, caring, genuine woman. We see the way you look at our dad and the way you love him.”

Theresa’s daughter Jen asked Gerry to take care of her “best friend since birth” and said she “couldn’t be happier” for them.

Who is Gerry Turner's late wife?

Gerry’s wife Toni, who is also the mother of his daughters, died of an illness in 2017. The former high school sweethearts were married for 44 years.

Though Toni is gone, she’s an active presence in his life, he said on an interview with the podcast “Bachelor Happy Hour.”

“I have a picture of her in my walk-in closet. Every night I’m in there and I see her picture. It’s the only one now that I have in the house,” he explained. “And in the mornings, I see her picture and, you know, we talk. I’ll make a brief comment or sometimes that talk is silent.”

She was honored during the wedding, Theresa and Gerry confirmed in interviews.

Turner told Decider, “It would be absolutely an oversight to not honor their memories. And I like to use the word celebrate their memories. And then move forward with Gary and Theresa time.”

This article was originally published on TODAY.com